Photos by Wies

09/03/2024

It's been quite a while, but I really enjoy picking up photography again.

I've been questioning the meaning of beauty lately, as I read something that I wrote about a year ago. I wrote that beauty is everywhere if you slow down and pay attention. I had been trying too hard and comparing nature in the Netherlands to the vast and wide nature in Canada. They're not comparable.

I realized that I shouldn't force myself to look for a kind of beauty that's not here, but instead just open my eyes. It's like I can see clearly again. These photos were taken in the park on walking distance from where I live. Beauty is always close if you allow it to come to you.

I love discovering my new setup: Sony A7III with a 24-105mm lens.

12/21/2023

An ode to the Kootenay and the people in it ❤️

I feel so very grateful and priveleged to have been able to live in this little piece of heaven on earth. Connecting with the land and becoming part of this warm and loving community.

What I love about taking photos is capturing people's authenticity. I couldn't have wished for a better place to find that authenticity within people. This beautiful, raw piece of nature truely brings out the best in people. There is so much creativity, joy and wisdom around.

I absolutely loved discovering the Kootenay through my lens and being able to capture some of it's beauty.

Until next time...

11/06/2023

Back in the Netherlands with them dramatic Dutch beaches, my favourite place to be in fall/winter. Definitely feeling more of air element, with ever changing clouds and strong blowing winds.

11/05/2023

Learning to have faith in our senses while navigating a tricky environment is an exercise in trust. Pictured, an activity facilitated by Andrea Fox from Elemental Journeys during the Forest Play & Flow workshop at this year's Kootenay Yoga Festival.

📷: Photos by Wies

11/02/2023

Kootenay Yoga Festival, September 2023

It felt really good to be a part of this experience, thank you for the opportunity Kootenay Yoga Festival

10/04/2023

08/07/2023

A little while ago I climbed my first mountain. After a three hour hike up to Carlyle Lodge we were at the base of Mount Misty. The views up at the lodge were already gorgeous, but the more elevation we gained, the more mountain peaks became visible. Going up went pretty smoothly, especially with Fox’s guidance. The vistas up top were spectacular, it’s really like being on top of the world. I’ve never seen the Kootenays from this perspective.

Then going down was more of a mission, it was scrambling all the way. Being from a mountainless and pretty much rockless country, this was new to me. It took all my concentration and I walked like a crab for most of the way. When there was just a little way more to go I stepped on a rock which looked big enough to be solid, but wasn’t. And I slipped. Luckily my camera was in Fox’s bag. I was shaking on my legs and Fox helped me to ground.

When I got back on the trail, it felt like landing on solid ground. It was great looking back on the ridge and knowing I walked that. I looked back a couple of times. I really did that! It was a great first mountain climbing experience, and I hope to get some more. Taking photos up there is magical ✨. Maybe I can take some photos on the way down next time, when I get better at scrambling.

Thank you for the experience Elemental Journeys ❤️

07/10/2023

I've been loving summer so far. It's amazing to explore the area, from lush old growth forests to endless lakes to roaring rivers.

It's so cool to witness changes in nature as the seasons progress. Like how the forest is breathing on a rainy day or noticing the wild rivers slowly calming down as the runoff becomes less.

Here is a compilation of photos from Russell Creek, Mt. Brandon, the Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness Area and Retallack.

06/20/2023

So much appreciation for all these beautiful people ❤️

Thanks for an amazing weekend full of great lessons and experiences. Not only did I learn lots of survival skills for in the wilderness, I've also learned about what it means to be a villager and to be more present.

Thanks to the organizers that put it all together and made this unforgetable experience happen ❤️

Elemental Journeys

04/27/2023

The waters can be rough sometimes, but there is always the calm after the storm.

If you're lucky, the calm clouds get al kinds of pretty colours. But if you pay attention, you can also notice pretty colours in the rough waters. Everything has it's own kind of beauty.

Do you prefer rough waters or calm clouds?

04/13/2023

When wandering through the woods, you'll always find something interesting. Maybe even some wisdom from the trees. Or whispers from the creek.

What do you look for in the forest?

04/01/2023

There's something about water: from small droplets to overwhelming waves. I've always been fascinated by this force of nature and try to get as close as possible with my lense.

This day on the East Shore was very windy, so I decided to use the waves, on the otherwise mellow Kootenay Lake, in my advantage.

What do you like about water?